Early Sales Pay Off, for Now

Retailers reported a big jump in consumer spending over the Thanksgiving weekend as shoppers flocked to stores, snapped up online discounts and, according to some merchants, paid repeat visits to the mall.

But the overall increase wasn't as robust as last year's. And some indicators showed a decline in spending at stores on Black Friday itself, leading to questions about whether retailers' new tactics are simply shifting spending...

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Early Holiday Sales Pay Off, for Now

Retailers reported a big jump in consumer spending over the Thanksgiving weekend as shoppers flocked to stores, snapped up online discounts and, according to some merchants, paid repeat visits to the mall. Ann Zimmerman has details on Lunch Break. Photo: AP.